Xi Jinping Vows Steadfast Climate Commitment Amid Global Turbulence

Xi Jinping Vows Steadfast Climate Commitment Amid Global Turbulence
On April 23, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed that China will not slow down its efforts to tackle climate change, regardless of shifting global political conditions. Speaking at a video conference co-hosted by the United Nations and Brazil, Xi stressed the importance of maintaining momentum on climate action and achieving a just energy transition. His remarks were reported by China’s state media outlet, Xinhua.

Addressing Unilateralism and Protecting Global Order

Xi raised concerns about the growing trend of unilateralism and protectionism among some major nations, warning that these actions are undermining international norms and global cooperation. “Some major countries are leaning toward unilateralism and protectionism, seriously impacting international rules and order,” he noted. Though Xi avoided naming any country directly, his comments were widely interpreted as a subtle critique of the United States, especially given its previous withdrawal from climate commitments and increased fossil fuel production under the Trump administration.
In the face of these challenges, Xi emphasized the need to uphold the global order. “History always progresses through twists and turns,” he said, adding that the more chaotic the international landscape becomes, the more essential it is to safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core.

China’s Pledge to Lead in Climate Action

So, what actions has China taken so far? Xi’s speech underscored China’s ambition to be seen as a responsible and active leader in global climate governance. He reaffirmed China’s key climate targets: peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. These commitments, while significant, also come with growing international expectations for China to reduce its reliance on coal and accelerate its transition to clean energy.

China’s Rapid Growth in Clean Energy and Continued Coal Dependence

China has made significant strides in the clean energy sector, leading the world in renewable energy development. In 2023, China accounted for over half of global new solar and wind installations. The country is also a major producer of solar panels, electric vehicles (EVs), and energy storage technologies, contributing to the global clean energy transition. Despite this, China remains heavily reliant on coal, with around 60% of its electricity still generated from coal-fired plants. Due to concerns about power shortages in 2023-2024, China even approved new coal plants. This indicates that coal usage may rise in the short term. While progress is being made, the situation remains complex, balancing immediate energy needs with long-term sustainability goals.

At the same speech, Xi’s measured tone—criticizing global trends without directly attacking any nation—suggests a diplomatic approach aimed at promoting cooperation over conflict. By doing so, China positions itself as a stable force in the global climate dialogue.

What Policies is the U.S. Currently Implementing?

Under the Trump administration, the U.S. took several actions that went against the goals of climate change mitigation. These policies focused more on immediate economic benefits than on long-term environmental sustainability, sparking concerns about the country’s dedication to fighting climate change. Let’s explore some of the key decisions made during that time.

• Expansion of Fossil Fuel Production
  Despite Biden’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, the U.S. has faced significant energy shortages and price increases, leading to policy decisions favoring the expansion of fossil fuel production. The government has approved new oil and gas drilling projects, especially in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska, in response to rising energy demands. These actions contradict the U.S.’s long-term climate goals, contributing to an increase in fossil fuel extraction and greenhouse gas emissions.

• Continued Subsidies for Fossil Fuel Industries
  Although Biden has focused on promoting clean energy, the U.S. government continues to provide subsidies to the fossil fuel industry. In 2025, significant federal investments in oil, gas, and coal projects were announced as part of energy security measures. These subsidies support the ongoing extraction of fossil fuels, undermining efforts to shift to renewable energy sources and maintain the global momentum towards decarbonization.
• Rollback of Vehicle Emissions Standards
  In early 2025, the Biden administration decided to temporarily ease restrictions on vehicle emissions standards in response to economic pressures from the automotive industry. This rollback undermines the nation’s climate commitments by allowing higher carbon emissions from one of the largest sectors contributing to greenhouse gases in the U.S. The move has faced criticism from environmental groups who argue it could delay the transition to electric vehicles and reduce the effectiveness of emissions reduction efforts.
• Approval of New Coal Power Plants
  Despite global calls for reducing reliance on coal, the U.S. approved new coal power plants in 2025, citing the need for reliable energy sources. The approval was justified as a response to potential energy shortages and the growing demand for electricity, particularly in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. This decision contradicts the U.S.’s goals to transition to clean energy and reduces the country’s efforts to meet its climate targets.
• Limited Progress on Renewable Energy Transition
  While there has been progress in renewable energy development, such as solar and wind, the rate of transition has been slower than required to meet climate goals. In 2025, the U.S. government has faced challenges in securing the necessary infrastructure investments to support the rapid growth of renewable energy. Despite ongoing support for solar and wind, the shift away from fossil fuels remains slow due to political and economic pressures.
  In contrast to the U.S.’s approach, China has chosen to take decisive steps in addressing environmental issues. The ongoing economic rivalry between these two global powers raises the question: what kind of future awaits in terms of their contributions to tackling climate change? Which side of the policy debate do you support?

China’s Environmental Commitment vs. U.S. Policy: What’s at Stake for Our Future?

It’s true that economic strength cannot be overlooked, and the well-being of a country’s citizens should always come first. However, it is also undeniable that long-term climate change mitigation must be a priority. In a world where governments are backtracking, it’s encouraging to see private enterprises making strides in this area. Companies are investing in environmental projects and implementing eco-friendly technologies, including carbon credits. This is one of the most accessible ways for individuals and businesses to engage with climate action. Let’s support those who are actively working toward a more sustainable future through these initiatives!